INDIANAPOLIS - Former Notre Dame defensive end Justin Tuck returned to the Hoosier State and played a key role in helping the New York Giants defeat the New England Patriots, 21-17, Sunday night in Super Bowl XLVI at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

Tuck, who played at Notre Dame from 2001-04, became the 11th former Notre Dame football player to win multiple Super Bowls in his career. Tuck helped the Giants defeat the Patriots in Super Bowl XLII as he recorded six tackles, two sacks, two quarterback hurries and forced a fumble in 2008.

Tuck led New York's defensive line with three tackles and recorded both sacks for the Giants. Tuck helped the Giants strike first in Super Bowl XLVI as pressure he brought to Patriots quarterback Tom Brady on New England's first offensive play from scrimmage led to Brady throwing the ball away to avoid a sack. Intentional grounding was called on the play and, because the penalty occurred in the end zone, the Giants were awarded two points for a safety.

Notre Dame director of player personnel Tim McDonnell also has a connection to the Super Bowl as his uncle, John Mara, is the president and chief executive officer of the Giants. McDonnell's great-grandfather, Tim Mara, founded the Giants in 1925 and McDonnell's grandfather, Wellington Mara, served as co-owner of the Giants from 1959-2005.

Tuck extends Notre Dame's streak of at least one alumnus on a Super Bowl Champion to three years. At least one former Irish player has appeared on eight of the last nine Super Bowl champion rosters.

Of the 46 Super Bowls competed, only 14 teams have won the event without an Irish player on the roster. Looking at both participating team rosters, there have only been five Super Bowls that did not feature at least one former Notre Dame player on either team's roster - Denver vs. Atlanta, 1999; Dallas vs. Buffalo, 1994; Washington vs. Denver, 1988; Dallas vs. Denver, 1978; and Baltimore vs. Dallas, 1971.

Super Bowl XLVI marked the 16th time both the AFC and NFC champions had at least one former Notre Dame football player on its roster. Sergio Brown, a safety at Notre Dame from 2006-09, played on special teams for the Patriots last night.